Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard is anticipated to overlook at the least three weeks whereas recovering from a hand damage, NFL Network reports. Howard reportedly fractured a “small bone” in his hand throughout Pittsburgh’s coaching camp apply session Tuesday. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin advised reporters he believed the damage occurred throughout a center-quarterback alternate.
Whereas the supplied timeline would have Howard able to return across the begin of the common season, it appears as if the first-year sign caller will miss beneficial preseason time. Pittsburgh opens its preseason slate Saturday in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Howard would have possible been in line for important motion.
Previous to the damage, Howard was battling for a spot on the depth chart behind Aaron Rodgers, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in June after a prolonged free company saga, and veteran backup Mason Rudolph. Howard was listed third on the staff’s preliminary depth chart behind Rodgers and Rudolph however forward of Skylar Thompson, a 2022 seventh-round choose who spent three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, making three begins.
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The Steelers chosen Howard with the 185th choose within the sixth spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft. A former All-Large 12 choice at Kansas State, Howard transferred to Ohio State for his ultimate season and led the Buckeyes to a win over Notre Dame within the College Football Playoff Nationwide Championship. He was named the sport’s offensive MVP after tallying 288 complete yards and two touchdowns.
Howard had a profession 12 months in his lone season with the Buckeyes, as he accomplished 73% of his passes — a single-season Ohio State file — for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns. He additionally rushed for seven touchdowns whereas producing a 14-2 file as a starter.